The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is gearing up for yet another significant leadership transition, as the party prepares to formally replace its ousted National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
The process is expected to culminate during the forthcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
Although a new chairman is set to emerge within days, the usually chaotic and combative build-up to the selection has been surprisingly subdued this time. Traditionally characterized by intense lobbying, political brinkmanship, and backdoor maneuvering, this current cycle has been marked instead by quiet calculations, muted campaigns, and careful anticipation of the Presidency’s final say.
History of Imposition: A Pattern of Presidential Selection
Since its formation in 2013, the APC has repeatedly sidelined democratic processes in selecting its national chairmen, with presidential endorsement proving far more decisive than delegate votes. The lone exception remains the transparent 2014 NEC convention that elected Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
Oyegun was later pressured to step down in 2018 under the Buhari administration, making way for Adams Oshiomhole, who emerged unopposed via a voice vote. Oyegun, in his resignation letter, alluded to overwhelming pressure from party leaders and a need to avoid deepening divisions:
“Even though I had the desire to re-contest as national chairman, I have decided that it is ultimately in the best interest of the party for me to withdraw… The less contentious our national convention is, the better for the party.”
Following Oshiomhole’s ouster, a Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee led by Governor Mai Mala-Buni was appointed. In 2022, despite over a dozen aspirants indicating interest to replace Buni, former Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Adamu was imposed by then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
In 2023, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje was similarly imposed by the Tinubu presidency, sparking major unrest, especially among stakeholders from the North-Central geopolitical zone, who felt bypassed yet again.
Ganduje’s Exit and a Quiet but Intense Power Struggle
Now that Ganduje has exited, the familiar cycle is repeating. While many known aspirants are quietly lobbying, no formal declarations have been made. The perceived inevitability of presidential anointing has led to cautious maneuvering rather than open competition.
Nevertheless, posters and support banners for some potential aspirants have begun to flood strategic locations in Abuja, hinting at a covert battle for influence. Among those speculated to be interested both secretly and openly are seasoned APC chieftains, mostly from the North-Central, and a few from the North-West.
North-Central’s Turn? Strong Push to Right Past Wrongs
This time, there appears to be a deliberate attempt to pacify the North-Central zone, which party insiders admit was unfairly sidelined when Adamu was replaced by Ganduje. According to multiple sources, the Presidency may have already resolved to allow the zone produce the next national chairman albeit just to complete the remaining months of the current tenure, which ends in March 2026.
Prominent aspirants believed to be in the race (openly or quietly) include:
- Senator Umar Tanko Al-Makura – former Nasarawa Governor
- Senator Sani Musa – representing Niger East
- Salihu Mustapha – former CPC Deputy National Chairman (Kwara)
- Joshua Dariye – former Plateau State Governor
- Senator Solomon Ewuga – Nasarawa
- Yahaya Bello – immediate past Governor of Kogi State
In contrast, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has publicly denied interest in the role. Through his spokesperson, Yomi Odunuga, Akume described the speculation as “fabricated,” saying:
“Senator Akume is not jostling with anyone for the post of APC national chairman. His main focus is on fulfilling the responsibilities given to him by President Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Similarly, Yahaya Bello’s camp dismissed circulating posters bearing his image as the work of “mischief makers.” His media director, Ohiare Michael, stressed that:
“No one has been authorised, either directly or indirectly, to print or paste any such poster. Governor Bello is not campaigning for any APC leadership role.”
Dalori Gets NWC Backing, But Presidency Holds the Aces
Within the National Working Committee (NWC), there’s growing internal support for the current Acting National Chairman, Ali Bukar Dalori. Members say his leadership style has fostered peace and cooperation, unlike his predecessor.
One NWC member told Daily Sun under anonymity:
“Our first post-Ganduje meeting was very peaceful. Dalori brought back camaraderie. If it were up to us, we’d let him finish the tenure. But sadly, that decision lies solely with the Presidency.”
Dalori, a long-time party administrator from Borno State, is seen as experienced and non-confrontational. However, with presidential preference likely taking precedence, his chances of being retained appear slim.
Inside Sources: Dariye May Be the Presidency’s Pick
Multiple credible sources have indicated that the Presidency has zeroed in on Joshua Dariye, the former Governor of Plateau State, as the likely replacement for Ganduje. The decision, if finalized, would be aimed at:
- Appeasing North-Central leaders who protested Ganduje’s appointment.
- Restoring stability within the APC’s national structure.
- Avoiding further internal implosions ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
A source noted:
“Barring a late change, Plateau is being considered. Dariye is mature and cool-headed. But there’s concern over having both the national chairman and the deputy national secretary from the same state.”
CPC Bloc Demands Its Turn
Meanwhile, members of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) one of the legacy parties that formed the APC are demanding that the chairmanship slot be allotted to their bloc, arguing that the nPDP and ANPP factions have historically dominated national leadership roles in APC.
They argue it’s long overdue for CPC to take the reins, particularly with Buhari no longer in active politics.
The Heavy Burden on the Next Chairman
Whoever ultimately emerges as APC’s next national chairman will face immense pressure and responsibility. Key expectations include:
- Unifying fractured state chapters
- Ensuring financial transparency and integrity, a long-standing weakness
- Maintaining discipline within party ranks
- Preparing for the 2026 convention and the 2027 general elections
- Restoring trust in internal democratic processes
With rising tensions in many state chapters and calls for financial audits due to frozen accounts, the new chairman must bring not just political weight, but also administrative and ethical credibility.
The Calm Before a New Storm
With the NEC meeting days away and President Tinubu still absent, aspirants have adopted a wait-and-see approach. But the machinery behind the scenes is working overtime. As it stands, a new Sheriff is certain to emerge next week possibly from Plateau, probably endorsed by the Presidency and certainly tasked with navigating the APC through rough political terrain.
What remains unclear is whether this transition will finally mark a shift toward internal democracy or continue the party’s tradition of executive imposition.
Either way, the outcome of this selection will significantly shape the APC’s trajectory heading into 2027.
